Reviews with content warning for Religious bigotry - Small Gods

I almost feel like I shouldn't admit this, because I know this is one of the most beloved Discworld books but I just didn't get on with it. I can see it's really clever but I never clicked with it. It probably doesn't help that I'm not really interested in religion, even from a satirical perspective but I didn't think this was as funny as some of the other Discworld books I've read. There are some fun characters though, particularly the Great God Om in the form of a tortoise.

Content Warnings

theaceofpages's review against another edition

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adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“Belief, he says. Belief shifts. People start out believing in the god and end up believing in the structure.”

Small Gods is not a part of any of the Discworld subseries. Instead it examines the roles of religion on the disc (although the round earthers will insist that the earth is a globe and not flat). The god Om has lost most of his believers (although they still believe and insist that they believe) and was unable to return in one of his more impressive form (like white bull that crushes infidels). Instead, he returns as a tortoise (there's good eating on one of them) and even forgets that he is a god until he picked up out of the desert by an eagle and dropped near Brutha, who is a low level member of Om's temple. Om quickly realises that belief in his religion is not the same in belief in him and Brutha starts to question everything he has been taught, both through his god and through being exposed to a world outside of the temple.

It's been a little while since my last Pratchett, but this was definitely a good one. In typical Pratchett fashion, this book is smart and funny. I loved the tongue in cheek commentary about religious indoctrination and about how religion can so easily be corrupted by people. Even Om is upset about how his name has been used, his role twisted and how he has been used to justify things he never said (the prophets made up things to suit their needs). I can see similar trends in modern religion - amongst certain groups religion has become more about hate rather than the love it preaches. I don't see this is not an attack on religion or spirituality itself, but rather on the bigots who use their religion to justify their views. That being said, I can see why some more deeply religious people wouldn't love the message. Although some (especially those born into it and possibly questioning it) would benefit. I loved seeing Brutha's growth as he was exposed to a greater world and learned to be his own person. I also enjoyed the dropped mentions of other gods and character that have been mention before (like Offlar the crocodile god or The Librarian). And Cut-Me-Own-Hand-Off Dhblah? Proof that these kinds of people simply appear where needed (as Pratchett has previously stated with regards to Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler).

I think this is one of the darker Discworld novels (so far). While it still remains humerous, it explores themes such as cult-like religion, religious indoctrination, war about beliefs and the like. That being said, it's a great book and oneI'd definitely recommend (although maybe not to those die hard religious types who take offense at everything and believe we're all going to hell, simply for existing). And since it doesn't link closely to any other Discworld books, it can definitely be enjoyed regardless of whether you have read an of Pratchett's other works, and of whether you plan to read any others.

Some notes on the content warnings:

Religious bigotry/ gaslighting (also cults):
People do bad things in the name of religgion, make up things about their god (which he is surprised about) and keep their followers from expanding their horizons
Slavery:
Ironically the actual slaves are treated much better than those who work for the temple. They are allowed time off and allowed to run away each year (go on holiday). They also, supposedly, get freedom and their own slaves after a set number of years of service. At least the main one we meet seems to be well treated.
War/ fire:
There is a war in the name of religion. It includes a fire. No details about people being injured, but a library is burned down
Drowning (not an option)

Content Warnings

petitemass15's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

josiah17's review

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adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I liked this book, but didn't love it. But I'm rating it higher than I would otherwise simply because, even as a religious person myself, the themes and religious commentary is excellent. The characters besides Brutha and On don't really stand out, but it was lighthearted and enjoyable. I'm definitely going to dive deeper into the Discworld series.

Edit 8/5/23: Moving down to 3.5

Content Warnings

pokecol's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

At the time of this review, which is around a year after having listened/read it, it is my favourite book. I have a limited range of experiential reading so far as this is one of the books that has marked the start of my journey into really plunging into literature as I have meant to for years. I know not what the highest or highs or the lowest of lows are just yet so I'd like to rate this with a decent score but I can assume there will be things to come which surprise me. That being said, Small Gods was an enjoyable ride pretty much the whole way through and almost all moments across the story were entertaining and meaningful both.

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